Making and recording music is a fun and rewarding experience. The only prerequisites to this tutorial are having a computer and and the willingness to learn. You don't even have to know how to read or play an instrument, most hit producers and film composers don't even know music theory.

Monday, August 10, 2009

These days we spend a lot of time in our cars, and most of us do not want to be spotted in the driver's seat alone, conversing with our bored selves. So we like to have some entertainment around, some luxury! And who can blame us? The more time you spend in your car, the more comfortable you want it to be, and what could be more comfortable than relaxing in the cushioned seat and listening to tunes? Turning on a new release video? During those long out of town trips, these are the things that keep us sane.Audio

Guides

* Car Receivers: Separate the wanted from the unwanted signals; they also level out sound and convert waves into usable data (i.e. music).* Car Speakers: Convert your audio signal into sound.* Car Subwoofers: Used to produce low frequency sounds in your audio system.* Car Tweeters: Used to produce high frequency sounds in the audio system.* Car Amplifiers: Used to produce clear sound quality.* Car Equalisers: Allow listeners to easily adjust the frequency ranges of the stereo sound.* Satellite Radio: Say goodbye to static and hello to clear and commercial free music stations.

Products

* Car Satellite Radio Receivers : Unless you have a satellite radio receiver, you won't have any luck getting satellite radio.* Cassette Adapters : Plugs your portable electronic devices into the in-dash cassette player so you can listen to them on the road.* iPod Car Integrators : Allows you to listen to your iPod music through your radio system.

What Else Should I Consider?

Although many people have their new receiver professionally installed, be sure to make sure parts are available for your vehicle before purchasing a receiver.

Check to see if you need a stereo fitting kit to accommodate for extra room your new receiver might need.

Many receivers do not come with a wiring harness adapter. You will need one of these to install your receiver.

Audio Formats

Determine what audio format(s) the receiver that interests you supports.

Check to see if you can only play burned CDs containing these formats, or you can load these file types directly on to the receiver via a USB memory stick.

CD- CD Audio (not burned)

MP3- .MP3

WMA- .WMA (Windows Audio)

AAC- .AAC (Common with iTunes)

Power

Watts per channel

The two most common power options for receivers are 50W x 4 channels and 45W x 4 channels

Purchasing a receiver with lower wattage than these will affect sound quality.

Speakers

Do you have the original or after market speakers in your car?

Check the wattage and ohms (found in your owners manual). Compare these numbers with the receiver to see if the power is balanced.

Accessory Compatibility

Aux inputs

USB inputs will allow you to control your iPod from the receiver.

Headphone style inputs require you to play music from your iPod.

Does the receiver support satelite radio, or do you need an adapter?

Car Speakers

Newly purchased cars rarely contain quality speakers, so most people like to upgrade their original auto-audio systems. This type of upgrade has become so popular that shopping for car speakers is incredibly easy--or at least it should be. The fact that it is so incredibly easy is precisely the reason people screw it up--as is the case with most ridiculously simple tasks. Speaker seekers always overlook the minute--yet important--details and some of the major ones too. Try to get the best quality products by knowing a bit about them before you make your purchase.

The Basics

There are two basic car replacement speakers: the coaxial and the component speakers.

Coaxial

A coaxial speaker has the tweeter (which produces high range frequencies) suspended over the woofer (which produces low bass frequencies).

Component

A component speaker system is a more expensive system that consists of a separate woofer and a tweeter, and the benefit of this separation is that these components can be positioned for a more accurate high-end response and a wider stereo image. And although it is usually considered a separate upgrade, you can also add a subwoofer.

Things to Consider

Speaker Size: The speakers that most manufacturers install in their cars are too small, and speaker size determines the volume and ranges of frequencies it will be able to produce. However, a speaker that is too large might distort the sound, so before you go on to buy the biggest one you can fit in your back-seat, check the measurements of your car and buy accordingly. If--after you buy the speakers--they sound wrong, they probably are wrong, and you should exchange them for something more compatible with your car.

Type of Music You Will Be Playing: Yes, this is important! The type of music you listen to will have a big influence on the type of car audio system that you buy. If you like to listen to bass-heavy music, you should get powerful amplifiers and subwoofers. If you like to listen to classical or pop music, you want a speaker system which can reproduce the entire audio spectrum evenly.

Sensitivity Rating: The sensitivity rating indicates how efficiently the speaker handles the power that is supplied by your amplifier or head unit. Also called an efficiency rating, the higher the number, the louder your speakers can play given the same amount of amplification.

Budget: Plan your budget. If you are replacing your entire audio system, you need to gather the appropriate amount of money to adequately refurbish each part. If you are just changing the speakers, decide how much money you want to spend on them before seeing what is available. This will allow you to keep costs within a reasonable range.

For what do you use your car? If you constantly find yourself in the car, you should treat yourself to the best quality speakers you can afford. When you spend a lot of time in the car it can get pretty bad, and you may as well do your best to keep things comfortable. If you are comfortable, you will be more productive, your mood will improve, and your performance will be enhanced. On the other hand, if your car doesn't get too much road time, it is not worth it to get high-end car speakers.

How long do you plan on keeping your car? If you plan on using the same car for two years or more, it makes sense to buy good-quality speakers. If you're going to sell the car soon, keep your car speaker budget to a minimum.

Bluetooth Headsets Buying Guide

Now that using your mobile while driving without a hands-free device can land you up to two years behind bars, it might be a good time to consider purchasing a Bluetooth headset. Although choosing and learning how to use one can be a daunting process, logic should dictate this is better than visits with a probation officer. Use this guide to get the scoop on Bluetooth headsets and pick out one that works best for you before your next phone call is to a barrister.

Go back to the Bluetooth menu on your phone and look for an option that says add device or similar.

After selecting 'add' you should receive a pairing confirmation of some sort.

Enter the Bluetooth pass code to finalize pairing.

Some devices require a Bluetooth pass code when pairing.

The default code is: 0000

Consult your owner's manual to see if your headset uses a different pass code.

Radar Detectors Buying Guide

A radar detector is a device for your car which alerts you of nearby radar. In other words, its a piece of equipment that warns you of nearby police, so you can push the speed limit a bit. However, the detector doesn't just beep for radar guns. Other things on the road (electronic roadside signs, "Your Speed Is.." signs, construction equipment) and even buildings can set off the mechanism. That being said, you can pretty much assume most alerts are for actual radar - it's more likely you'll run into a traffic officer than a radar-omitting office building.

Not everyone needs to have (or should have) a radar detector. If you travel frequently, drive long distances, or find yourself on long empty roads often, one of these may be a good idea. However, young drivers, reckless drivers, and urban drivers shouldn't purchase one. The safety of you and your fellow drivers is paramount - even excellent drivers should exercise extreme caution when using a radar detector.

This nifty gadget is a little bigger than a deck of cards, and adheres to your windshield via suction cups. You simply plug it into your car's power source (or cigarette lighter) and it's ready to go! When you aren't on the road, you probably want to put our radar detector under your seat or in the glove compartment. These can be a bit pricey, and like a portable GPS, easily swiped from your vehicle.

Please note that radar detectors are not legal everywhere; you should check the laws of your area regarding radar detector possession and use before purchasing one.

Choosing a Radar Detector

Radar detectors come in a range of prices for every budget with a variety of features to choose from. For just $30 you can purchase a simple radar detector with multiple modes for city and highway use that scans a 360° radius. While results are not always the most dependable, this might suit the average user. For more reliable quality, opt for a slightly advanced model that will cost at least $70.

If you're a true road warrior, you may be interested in going with one of the high-end models with myriad features, such as multiple modes, band detection and range, and alert types that will help make you virtually invisible while on the road. Mid-range and high-end models will cost around $150 and up, but you can be certain that your detector will have your back covered.

Features

Detection Bands: the more bands the radar measures, the more protection you have.

Laser - protects you against the ultra-precise laser guns.

K Band - the most frequent detection type.X Band

Ka Band - models with a POP alert track this type of band.

Ka Super Wideband

Ku Band - for European travel.

Detection Area: The space and angles that are scanned for radar.

Front - most detect radars coming from the front.

Front/Rear - this offers more protection.

360 degree detection - the ultimate range.

Alert Type: What kind of warning you'll get when radar is nearby.

Visual - such as flashing lights, bars, or scrolling screen. It's not always easy to see during the daytime unless you accustom yourself to checking every so often. At night, it's usually pretty decent, unless you are distracted by other things while driving (such as passengers, traffic, music, etc.).

Audio - usually in the form of beeps or series of different pitched beeps. Slightly obnoxious when the radar detector is of poor quality because it will go off all the time. However, this is usually the least distracting and more dependable alert method.

Voice mode - some of the more expensive models offer voice alerts. It's as good as any audio alert. The only problem is that in some cases drivers become bothered by the style of voice.

Muting: Can you turn off the sound without turning off the device?

Make sure to get a radar with volume control and a mute button.

Beeping and voice alerts can get annoying if the radar is picking up false signals.

Another preventative measure of obnoxious noise is having a mode switch.

Modes: These can be really helpful in eliminating erroneous warnings and annoying false alarms.

Switchable mode for city and highway keeps from setting of false alarms.

Emergency vehicle detection is a nice feature that eliminates false alarms of this type.

Wireless Versions: Not necessary if you're always in the same car, but a great idea if you aren't.

If you change cars often, or are frequently using rental cars, then these battery operated detectors may be the right choice for you.

Recommended Features

Hand-held GPS Systems

Weight: If you hike or backpack, every ounce counts.

Durability is also important so the device can stand up to harsh environments.

12 Channel Parallel Receiver: For hiking and off-road travel, these receivers give the best service.

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